Ex-HCL CEO Vineet Nayar counters 90-hour week debate with 'work less, live more' advice and shares a rela - The Times of India

[TOI Tech Desk]

The conversation surrounding long working hours reignited recently following remarks by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, suggesting employees should work up to 90 hours a week, even on Sundays. This controversial statement sparked widespread debate, drawing responses from other prominent corporate leaders. Former HCL CEO Vineet Nayar, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, and industrialist Gautam Adani weighed in with diverse perspectives that challenge the glorification of excessive working hours. Their viewpoints underline the importance of work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and productivity.

Vineet Nayar advocates for work-life balance: ‘Work Less, Live More’ in viral LinkedIn post​

Former HCL CEO Vineet Nayar took a contrasting stance, emphasizing the importance of living a fulfilling life rather than measuring productivity in hours worked. In a LinkedIn post, Nayar questioned the glorification of relentless work schedules and criticized the culture of constant connectivity.
He shared a personal anecdote with a picture of a street-side professional giving him a head massage, saying, “Today, I didn’t just get a head massage. I took back a moment of my life.” Nayar argued that moments of relaxation and reflection are essential to maintaining energy, creativity, and purpose.
He proposed a balanced approach: “Work more if you want. Work less if you can. The number doesn’t matter. What matters is whether you’re making space for moments that make life worth living.”

L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s 90-hour workweek remarks​

L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan ignited controversy by advocating for 90-hour workweeks and even suggested employees should work on Sundays. He remarked on the supposed futility of excessive time spent at home, famously asking, “How long can you stare at your wife?” While his comments were intended to highlight the importance of dedication to nation-building, they sparked backlash across social media, with many criticising the unrealistic and unhealthy expectations such a schedule entails.

Anand Mahindra: Focus on quality, not hours​

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra echoed similar sentiments, advocating for prioritising the quality of work over the quantity of hours spent. He emphasised that impactful decisions and meaningful contributions are not dependent on excessive hours but rather on well-rounded decision-making informed by a balanced life.
Mahindra stated, “It’s not about 40 hours, 70 hours, or 90 hours. What matters is the output and impact. Even 10 hours can change the world if they’re productive.” He also stressed the importance of spending time with family, friends, and personal reflection, asserting that such experiences enrich professional decision-making.

Gautam Adani: Personalising work-life balance​

Industrialist Gautam Adani took a more individualistic approach, asserting that work-life balance should be a personal choice. He noted that different individuals derive fulfillment from varying levels of engagement with family or work. “If someone spends four hours with their family and feels content, or another spends eight hours and enjoys it, that’s their balance,” Adani explained.
However, his humorous remark—“Aath ghanta family ke saath bitayega tho biwi bhaag jaayegi (If you spend eight hours with your family, your wife might leave)”—drew criticism online. Many accused him of trivializing the importance of family time and promoting toxic work cultures.

A growing need for balance in the workplace​

The responses from Nayar, Mahindra, and Adani collectively reflect a shift in workplace values. Leaders are increasingly advocating for a nuanced, personalized approach to balancing professional and personal life. Their perspectives underline the importance of focusing on fulfillment, mental well-being, and quality productivity over sheer effort.
While Subrahmanyan’s remarks sparked controversy, they also reignited critical discussions about workplace cultures, encouraging leaders and employees alike to reevaluate their priorities. As the global workforce navigates challenges in productivity, health, and satisfaction, the debate underscores the need to balance professional ambition with personal fulfillment.
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